NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports Patrik Laine could potentially avoid surgery

For Patrick Laine, as of this moment, it's still not sure if he is going to have surgery or not, and this is something for the doctors to decide. Meanwhile, successful surgery has been performed on David Reinbacher as an example of different approaches being taken for the two players. The Montreal Canadiens are taking their time to evaluate Laine's condition until such time that patience will play a major part in determining the course of action.

In the case of Laine, there is some cautious optimism in that avoidance of surgery has not been ruled out by NHL insider Frank Seravalli. This partly explains why there hasn't been a release from the Canadiens to date; that seems to show they want to be certain before news leaks out, particularly with such an important player like Laine.

Dr. Harjas Grewal's suspicions were that the likely issue that affected Laine would be his medial collateral ligament (MCL). The extent of this injury needed to be carefully assessed, and any decision on surgery would have a major bearing on his timeline for recovery. This, according to sports journalist Stu Cowan, who says that if surgery were required, the estimated time out would range from four to six months, a period that would be quite considerable for both player and team alike.

While those discussions continue, the Canadiens remain in limbo on a decision regarding Laine. At 6'5", he's a hard body to take out of the lineup, not to mention what he provides internally to the team. That is why any decision relating to his health is taken with utmost seriousness. Unlike Reinbacher, whose situation was more cut and dry, Laine's road ahead is yet in question, making each update significant both for the fans and for the team.

This would be a big morale drop not just for him but also for his teammates if he does end up missing considerable time. Fans are hoping that Frank Seravalli's prediction comes true, and that perhaps not getting surgery could speed up Patrk Laine's timeline for a return.